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HRL Laboratories, LLC · 5 months ago

Computational Chemist, Materials Discovery

Malibu, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$146K/yr - $187K/yr

HRL Laboratories is a research and development organization focused on advanced materials discovery. They are seeking a Computational Chemist to lead interdisciplinary R&D initiatives, emphasizing computational modeling and materials theory, while collaborating with chemists, physicists, and engineers.

3D PrintingAdvanced MaterialsOptical CommunicationQuantum ComputingSemiconductorSoftware

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead cutting-edge R&D initiatives within a highly interdisciplinary environment that requires collaboration with chemists, physicists, and engineers

Generate ideas for new research programs, market ideas, and write proposals for funding

Lead program teams for awarded projects

Creation of technology roadmaps, writing competitive research proposals, leading teams of scientists, and working with external funding agencies is highly desirable

Qualification

Materials modelingAtomistic modelingMachine learning techniquesProgramming in Python/C++Density functional theory (DFT)Molecular dynamicsHPC environmentsExperimental techniquesUltrafast laser experimentsSpectroscopy techniquesTechnology roadmapsResearch proposals

Required

Expert-level ability in materials modeling, particularly in understanding at least one of light-matter interaction across a broad range of materials and photonic devices, magnetic property prediction, or polymer modeling

Excellent theoretical foundation in atomistic modeling and strong knowledge of current and emerging ML/AI techniques relevant to materials development

The ability to lead the development of computational platforms for materials discovery is critical for success

Strong experience in atomistic material simulation within frameworks such as density functional theory (DFT) or molecular dynamics

Experience with HPC environments and job scheduling is a significant advantage

Highly proficient in programming languages like Python or C++ for data analysis and integration with simulation workflows

PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering with a strong emphasis on optical material/device modeling, atomistic simulations (e.g., DFT), and computational characterization

Must be capable of performing extended analysis at computer workstations

Must be able to work safely in an optical, electrical testing and wet chemistry laboratory

U.S. citizenship. Must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance

Preferred

Working knowledge of experimental techniques such as thin-film fabrication, wet chemistry, and solid-state sample preparation is a plus, but not the primary focus

Familiarity with ultrafast laser experiments and various spectroscopy techniques is beneficial, primarily to support or interpret modeling results

Knowledge of machine learning/artificial intelligence methods as applied to materials science is a plus

Experience with photonic, metamaterial, or optical system simulations in tools such as Lumerical, ZEMAX, or COMSOL is a plus

Creation of technology roadmaps, writing competitive research proposals, leading teams of scientists, and working with external funding agencies is highly desirable